daVinci/LAVH questions

It looks like I'm a candidate for a daVinci assisted vaginal hyst and BSO, and possibly a single incision lap (also daVinci?) assisted vaginal hyst and BSO.

I have a couple questions.
First of all, how would I abbreviate each of those procedures?
For those of you who have had this type of surgery:
Did you need/use an abdominal binder?
The daVinci doc said the incisions would be higher up than in pictures I've seen - above my belly button in a crescent. Has anyone had their incisions there?
Is there much vaginal discomfort after having organs removed vaginally?
Did you need help getting in and out of bed/chair after 24 hours?
Did you have much gas pain with these procedures?
How fast was your recovery?

Just wondering what actual experience is compared to what doc said.

Hi BeLove:

Here is a link to the Stories forum, where you can read what other members' have written about their surgery: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/forumdisplay.php?f=11 I am sure someone will come along with a more specific reply soon.

I hope you are able to find the right answers soon. I am sending huge cyberhugs

I had the DaVinci 4 weeks ago. I have 5 small punture scars high up onmy abdomen. I didn't need help getting in a chair, but I had to do it very slowly and carefully. Walking was also slow, careful and kind of hunched over. Sadly, no way to avoid the gas pain, cramping, constipation and fatigue, but on the bright side no triublesome uterus, feeling pretty darn good now, pain was managable with Motrin and I was driving after one week (DR said I could if I was off narcotics). Good luck!

I had my daVinci 9 1/2 weeks ago and I'm happy to share my experience. Each of us is different, but I hope your recovery will be as uneventful as mine.

The abbreviation is dVH for daVinci, not sure on the abbreviation for a straight lapro. There is a resource somewhere on this site with lots of abbreviations.

I did not use a binder, but did get some "structured" underwear which works great. My swelling is gone but my belly still feels pretty jiggly compared to what it was pre-surgery.

I have three 1/2" incisions in a straight line about 3" above my belly button and one 1" long incision on my lower right side. They are still very visible and I've been using Aquaphor on them since week two.

I had no vaginal discomfort and only spotted once right after the surgery. I did have light brown/yellowish discharge for about three weeks, but it was easily handled with a panty liner.

I was able to get myself in and out of bed with no help within a few hours of surgery. I moved slowly and rolled on my side, using my elbow for support. I was standing pretty straight by day 2. I walked inside as much as possible and drank a lot of water and cranberry juice.

I doubt you can avoid the gas pains. I had them in my neck and shoulders from days 2-4, uncomfortable, but manageble. I started using Gas-X and stool softeners twice a day as soon as I got home and continued for 2 weeks. My intestinal gas pains were minimal. I needed no narcotics at all. I kept ibuprofen in my system for the first two weeks, then only as needed. I used my heating pad a lot the first week.

I have to say, I felt good within days and didn't feel the need for naps but I still rested whenever possible. I promised myself I would do NOTHING for two weeks, which was very difficult for me. I started walking again outside at week three, started lifting light weights and doing yoga at week six, all with my surgeons approval. My stamina was back at week 4.

You only get one chance to heal so please don't push yourself. Your body will definitely tell you when to slow down. I hope your surgery and recovery go smoothly. Good luck!

I am 4 days post op from the davinci surgery. My doc just took my uterus and also performed a bladder sling.

So far recovery is going great! I haven't had any pain meds since the day after surgery. My gas pains were slim to none. I was so surprised to see how good I feel only 4 days post op.

I am sore and needed help in and out of the hospital bed but once home I was able to get up and down with no problem. My vagina is sore but nothing anymore than it was with 3 vaginal births I've had.

I think the hardest part for me is my restrictions and getting so tired so easily.

I will say this was the best decision I've ever made! Good luck to you!

My daVinci total surgery was great; yes, the surgeon decided not to "morsellate" the parts and remove them via the davinci incisions. Instead, they were removed vaginally. I had no discomfort whatsoever. I am still wondering how all that removal process worked, actually!

My four scars are right at my waist/belly button line, a little higher up (I'm a fluffy Sister, size 18-20 now). They itched at times but I vowed not to scratch the scabs.

As someone else wrote, you only get one initial chance to heal - so do it right! It really is in your best interest to play by the rules your doctor gives you. When in doubt, make the conservative choice and don't push anything.

I was back at work in less than a month; desk job. I was tired that first week in the office - and rested/napped in the evenings and slept like a champion at night.

I practiced getting out of bed before my surgery, using the roll/weight on elbow method that the nurses can teach you. For the first couple of days, it wasn't impossible - but it wasn't simple. By the third day, a family member said that I was "spring right out of bed." Keep a journal, grade your pain/discomfort, you'll notice improvement.

I couldn't avoid the gas pains from the anesthesia/air used to inflate my belly. It really does land in your shoulders - true pain. It bothered me a couple of times but it is explainable. Use colace and Gas-x together for the first week or as long as needed.

For me, it was a great decision and I am so much better off. I happened upon my calendar with all my "bleeding" days last July/August/September marked - about 90% of the days. Never again will my plans be changed because of "female problems."

Thanks ladies. It's so hard waiting and not knowing exactly which procedure I'm having done and whether I really have to have BSO too. Have second opinion appointment on Wednesday so hopefully soon after that I'll know which procedure I'm having and will get it scheduled. Ever since I've known I have to have this done I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety and haven't been able to think of anything else.

I was worried about getting out of bed after going home from the hospital because the electric hospital bed made it so easy to sit almost upright. The best hint I got from this website is to put a kitchen chair next to the bed to use as a handrail to help you stand up, and be sure to practice the roll over and push yourself up technique they show you in the hospital.

I have one incision right in the upper portion of my belly button. It's totally hidden now. Three others are slightly below, two on the left side, and one on the right. They have healed really well. Now they are flat and just a bit darker than the rest of my skin. I think the color will fade with time, if my c-section scar is any indication.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by BeLove For those of you who have had this type of surgery: Did you need/use an abdominal binder? No but I use a small firm pillow tucked up close to my stomach at night-it just feels good that way. The daVinci doc said the incisions would be higher up than in pictures I've seen - above my belly button in a crescent. Has anyone had their incisions there? Yes, I have 4 incisions and they are all above my belly button. Is there much vaginal discomfort after having organs removed vaginally? I didn't have it done that way because I wanted to keep my cervix so I don't know about that one. Did you need help getting in and out of bed/chair after 24 hours? No, I was able to do it myself-it gets easier every day. Did you have much gas pain with these procedures? I haven't had any gas pain yet, but it seems like most people do. How fast was your recovery? I'm not fully recovered yet, but this is day 3 and I am able to do everything I need to-cook quick meals, shower, and I walked 3 blocks. (Could have gone further but was afraid of overdoing it). I am experiencing little pain at this point, just some soreness. Just wondering what actual experience is compared to what doc said.

Everyone's experience is different though.